This essay will discuss whether ‘honesty is the best policy’. It is written through the eyes of a Christian, and will often refer to the Bible. The essay will bring up biblical matters, and also issues that affect the lives of others and ourselves, that relate to honesty. Being honest has many benefits. In the Bible, it states many times that ‘honest people are blessed’ for example Psalm 112. The Bible also states that ‘when a man is honest he will receive love and kindness’ (Psalm 112). The wicked will not like the honest and will hate and try to destroy them. But the word of the Lord has promised, ‘The wishes of the wicked will come to nothing’ (Psalm 112: 10). The Bible also points out that when you choose to tell the truth, the Lord is pleased (Psalm 112). Also if telling that truth causes a change in your plans for having some fun God will provide you with another safer opportunity to enjoy yourself (Genesis 26: 1-11). God wants us to tell the truth for our own benefit, so we don’t get hurt. Sometimes telling a lie can hurt someone more than we imagine. The Bible makes it clear, that ‘people who tell the truth will be respected, and will please both God and people’ (Proverbs 3: 3-4). A lie is a lie. Many times we try to tell ourselves that some things aren’t true. We tell ourself that spreading rumours doesn’t matter, or that there’s no harm in shoplifting. When we believe these lies, we’re only deceiving ourself (Leviticus 19: 16-17). In James 3: 1-12, it is pointed out that you can not tell the truth and lie at the same time. The Bible points out that a half-truth is a lie.A lie is slow to heal. When we lie and somebody finds out, we lose our dignity the respect of a lot of people. It is much easier to lose the respect of others than to repair a broken trust or friendship. When we trust someone with something, and they...
